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Balmoral opens its doors for money-making events

QUEEN Victoria called it her “dear paradise in the Highlands” and for generations its granite towers have provided a private and tranquil retreat for the royal family.

Now, however, Balmoral is to become a mecca for businessmen and newlyweds as part of a money-spinning venture to promote the estate as a venue for dinner dances, corporate team-building exercises and wedding receptions.

In an apparent bid to help to cover the costs of maintaining the sprawling 50,000-acre estate in Royal Deeside, the Windsors are promoting Balmoral as an upmarket venue for corporate entertaining.

It is understood the Duke of Edinburgh is behind the attempt to make the royal hideaway more profitable. Last week it emerged that the royal couple — who arrived in Scotland for their summer break — had been forced to move into a hunting lodge to make way for the growing number of tourists flocking to the castle.